A local historian is marking 80 years since 16 US sailors lost their lives in a WWII battle in Jersey waters.

On 9 August 1944, the US Navy PT Boat Squadron came to blows with the Germans at La Corbière and then along the coast to Noirmont point.

The PT-509 boat, named the 'Sassy Sue', was sunk and two other boats were damaged, resulting in 16 Navy men being killed.

Wreckage of the PT-509

Local historian Alex Fearn has been researching the battle for the past 10 years. 

He summarised it for us: 

"The German fire took at the wheel-house and that set fire to the boat which was (then) out of control and it ran at an enemy boat, pushed into the side of the German boat and the two sides fired onto each other.

"It was a really unfortunate and bloody battle."

Firing Torpedo on board one of the boats involved in the battle

Alex Fearn told us many lives were lost:

"16 men were killed that day. The one remaining survivor was taken to hospital, and there was also four German serviceman (killed) and 40 injured in the attack, so it really was an intense battle.

"Some bodies were washed to shore which were buried in the Howard Davis Park cemetery.

"The PT-509 received a Battle Star for World War Two service, and New Jersey man Lieutenant Christie, who was the Commander, was awarded the Purple Heart Medal."

Memorial stone for the PT Squadron at Noirmont Point

Alex Fearn will lead a vigil in tribute to the 16 men who lost their lives in the battle at the exact time 80 years ago that the PT-509 sank.

It'll be an early start for islanders who may want to join him at Noirmont Point on Friday 9 August at 6.10am. 

On Saturday at 11.00am, Mr Fearn will also be there to lay a wreath. 

                                                    Memorial stone for the PT Squadron at Noirmont Point

He tells us why this is so important to him: 

"I'm going to lay a wreath on behalf of my family and some of the families of the men.

"It's very important for them to know that the island never forgets the bravery of those men on that terrible day."